Gandhars of all Tirthankars
In Jainism, Gandhars are the chief disciples of a Tirthankar. Each Tirthankar has eleven principal Gandhars who are responsible for understanding, preserving, and disseminating the Tirthankar's teachings (Agamas). The names of Gandhars are most commonly mentioned with Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar. The names of Gandhars for all 24 Tirthankars are not explicitly listed in Jain scriptures for each Tirthankar. Jain texts and tradition primarily preserve the names of Mahavira's eleven Gandhars:
The Eleven Gandhars of Lord Mahavira:
- Indrabhuti Gautam (Gautamswami)
- Agnibhuti
- Vayubhuti
- Vyakta
- Sudharma
- Mandit
- Mauryaputra
- Akampita
- Achalbhrata
- Metarya
- Prabhasa
For the earlier Tirthankars, the names of their Gandhars are not generally preserved or specified in canonical texts. Jain tradition holds that each Tirthankar had eleven Gandhars, but specific names are not available except for the 24th Tirthankar, Mahavira.
Summary:
- All Tirthankars had eleven Gandhars each.
- Specific names are available only for Mahavira’s Gandhars.
- The tradition emphasizes the role of Gandhars as primary disciples and preservers of the Tirthankars’ teachings.
If you wish to know more about the Gandhars of Mahavira or their roles, please let me know!